The Glow Up: Redefining Spa Luxury

What sparks a 20-year journey in the luxury spa industry? For Tiffany Abercrombie, it all started with a simple birthday gift: a facial. What could have been a routine indulgence became a pivotal moment in Abercrombie’s life. "As I was in the treatment room, I actually started interviewing the esthetician, finding out where she went to school," she recalls. By the end of the experience, Abercrombie had made up her mind. She applied to work at the spa that evening and, months later, began her career at the front desk. Her path since then has been a remarkable evolution, taking her from a day spa to some of the most prestigious luxury properties, including Rosewood Hotels and Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel.

Abercrombie’s journey is a testament to how passion, curiosity, and an openness to learning can transform a career. Now serving as the Director of Spa Operations & Pools at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, she’s redefining what luxury means in the world of spa and wellness.

A Changing Definition of Luxury

Luxury in the spa industry is not what it was two decades ago. “When I started, it was almost like you had to be affluent,” Abercrombie explains. “It was truly like a treat to do luxury, to get pampered, or even go to a spa. It wasn’t looked at as 'well-being.'” Over time, the perception of spa experiences has evolved from pampering to holistic wellness. Guests today often come in as their own experts, armed with research to target specific needs and achieve tailored results. Spa treatments are seen as essential for mental, physical, and emotional health.

Abercrombie highlights how luxury has become less about exclusivity and more about personalization. "You don’t have to have a status or a title to experience luxury – every guest is a VIP. Luxury to me is about how you make someone feel, customizing and curating it," she says. From bespoke treatments to creating deeply personalized guest journeys, modern spas aim to make every visitor feel valued and cared for.

Technology: The Perfect Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Technology has also played a significant role in redefining spa luxury. “Technology is a beautiful collaboration to the spa experience,” Abercrombie notes. At Yaamava’, cutting-edge tools are seamlessly integrated into traditional treatments to enhance results and meet guest expectations. For instance, the spa’s advanced machines can sculpt, lift, and tighten the skin, offering benefits like oxygen infusion and microdermabrasion. LED technology is also used to penetrate serums and moisturizers more effectively into the skin while addressing concerns like fine lines and anti-aging. 

Abercrombie is excited about the future and the role technology will play in enhancing guest experiences. She sees advancements in skincare tools, treatment innovations, and digital personalization as key to curating unique wellness journeys. By integrating guest feedback and leveraging new technologies, she aims to continuously refine spa offerings to deliver even more customized and transformative experiences.

Shaping Spa Experiences by Geography

Having worked in diverse locations, from the tropical climate of the Bahamas to the bustling environment of California, Abercrombie has a unique perspective on how geography shapes spa experiences. “In California, getting a massage is at your fingertips; it’s more of a maintenance,” she explains. “Someone coming to the Bahamas is on vacation, so that experience is going to encourage them to fully relax.”

Regional climates also influence the treatments offered. In the dry, pollution-heavy environment of California, hydrating facials and treatments that combat free radicals are popular. Meanwhile, in the Bahamas, the focus shifts to addressing humidity-related concerns, such as oiliness or frizzy hair. These thoughtful adaptations ensure that each spa experience aligns seamlessly with the guest’s environment and expectations.

Transforming Tranquility in the Bahamas

During her time in the Bahamas, Abercrombie encountered a challenge that turned into a remarkable opportunity to innovate. The spa she managed lacked traditional hydrotherapy amenities like steam rooms or jacuzzis, but every treatment room featured a private shower and balcony. Leveraging this unique setup, Abercrombie introduced a pre-treatment foot ritual on the garden terrace, inspired by ancient cleansing practices that symbolize respect and renewal.

Guests were then invited to enjoy the suite-like rooms, complete with showers and a tea service, creating a deeply intimate and relaxing experience. "It turned into one of the most beautiful experiences," Abercrombie reflects, adding that the concept later inspired similar innovations at other properties.

This approach highlights how limitations can spark creativity, leading to guest experiences that feel both exclusive and transformative.

Wellness Wisdom

Abercrombie’s two decades in the industry have taught her many lessons about leadership, adaptability, and the evolving nature of luxury. When asked what advice she would give her younger self, she says: “Keep your passion, lead with your heart, and don’t let anyone discourage you from making the decision that you feel is right. Your experience and skills have prepared you for what’s next.”

Her journey from a first-time spa guest to a leader at a Forbes Five-Star property is as inspiring as it is insightful. Abercrombie’s ability to adapt to change, embrace technology, and prioritize personalization has not only shaped her career but is also influencing the future of luxury spa operations.